A true moment in history is upon us. The nation, and the world, is preparing to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and his wife, Her Majesty The Queen Consort Camilla on Saturday 6 May. Alongside the official celebrations, there are events aplenty taking place across England over the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond.
The Coronation, London and on big screens nationwide
6 May 2023
The Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey in London following a procession from Buckingham Palace known as ‘The King’s Procession’. After the Service, their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family will return to the palace in a larger ceremonial procession known as ‘The Coronation Procession’, before appearing on the balcony as a finale to the day’s events. For those not in the capital, big screens around the country will be showing the event.
Celebrations in Windsor
7 May 2023
Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and one of the official residences of His Majesty The King, will play a pivotal role in the Coronation celebration period. Visitors can explore the famous backdrop of the Coronation Concert (7 May) which will bring together stars from around the globe in a performance to remember, including the Coronation Choir, made up of a diverse group created from the nation’s keenest community choirs and amateur singers, and including an attraction titled ‘Lighting up the Nation’, showcasing iconic locations lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations. Later in the summer (7 July), explore the splendour of the castle grounds and Windsor Great Park in a new way at the Parallel Windsor event, the UK's national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing. Run, walk or push, from 100m, 1k, to 5k and 10k plus a SuperSensory1K - all finishing against the backdrop of Windsor Castle.
English Heritage Coronation Weekend, Isle of Wight, Warwickshire & South Yorkshire
6 May 2023
Gather your family, pack a picnic blanket and celebrate the Coronation live on the big screen in the spectacular grounds of one of three English Heritage sites. Where better to see royal history made than from Osborne, the former home of Queen Victoria, the Elizabethan favourite, historic Kenilworth Castle, or the grandeur of Brodsworth Hall? As the coronation of King Charles III airs, the livestream will be projected for all to see, followed by family-friendly movies throughout the rest of the weekend. Tickets are free, but booking is recommended.
Coronation screening, Nottingham Castle and nationwide
6 – 7 May 2023
Just in time for the Coronation celebrations, the heritage site Nottingham Castle will throw open its doors to the public once again for a May preview opening before it is due to reopen fully in June. The grounds of Nottingham Castle will screen the live action as it unfolds with big screens broadcasting the Coronation (Saturday 6 May) and the Coronation Concert (Sunday 7 May). The Coronation will also be shown on over 30 big screen sites up and down the county, including Manchester, Sheffield and Brighton.
Coronation Cruise, Henley on Thames
6 – 7 May 2023
‘A right royal knees up’ afloat the River Thames is how the Coronation Cruise is described by operator Hobbs of Henley, with a DJ, Pimms and a British buffet on the menu. They are also operating a quintessentially English afternoon tea special onboard the New Orleans vessel.
Big Coronation Celebration, Harrogate
6 – 8 May 2023
Harrogate, which King Charles III and various members of the Royal Family have visited regularly for the annual Great Yorkshire Show, is hosting The Big Coronation Celebration from 6-8 May. The event is being held in Harrogate’s beautiful Valley Gardens, of which the Sun Pavilion and Colonnades were granted listed status in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Free activities will include a big screen showing the events from London, family friendly fun, a fairground and an artisan market.
Celebrate the King’s Coronation at Hever Castle, Kent
6 – 8 May 2023
Be a king for a day at Hever Castle, the home of two former queens, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. The historic site is running a free craft activity session to decorate a crown or shield along with regal face painting. Visitors are encouraged to bring along a picnic and take in the gardens during the celebrations. Head inside the castle to learn more about its heritage and previous owners in the exhibition titled ‘Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers’ and view two former prayer books belonging to the queens, currently on loan from The Morgan Library, New York until June.
The Coronation Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, nationwide
6 – 8 May 2023
The Coronation Big Lunch is an official part of The King and The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend, inviting communities and neighbours to come together in celebration of ‘friendship, food and fun’. Tens of thousands of events are expected across the United Kingdom, with the joint mission to raise community spirits as part of this historic moment. Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been Patron of the Big Lunch since 2013. Monday 8 May will be a bank holiday in honour of the occasion where the nation will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas.
Royal Coronation Joust at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Kent
7 – 8 May 2023
Families are encouraged to step back in time during the Coronation weekend and get ready to hear the clash of steel and the thunder of hooves as armoured knights enact spectacular medieval jousting displays and hand-to-hand combat at Chiltern Open Air Museum.
Picnic in the Park, Temple Newsam, Leeds
8 May 2023
Pitch up a blanket on the West Lawn and pull out a picnic at the historic country estate that is Temple Newsam for Coronation celebratory activities, both in the house and on the farm, including games and music.